Load Cell Gain Switching for Wide-Range Accurate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force detection sensors with wide output ranges face challenges in accurately measuring loads due to the need for appropriate gain settings, which can either reduce accuracy or exceed measurement ranges if not properly adjusted.
Innovation Solution
A load detection device with excitation-side and measurement-side differential amplifier circuits, controlled by a control device, adjusts gains to ensure measurement values fall within a predetermined range by selecting gains from predefined intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the set gain is small, then the measurement range can accommodate large outputs, but the load detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain adjustment by switching between multiple gain settings (first gain and second gain) based on the detected output signal level. The control device monitors the output from the load cell and automatically selects the appropriate gain to amplify the signal, ensuring both accuracy for small outputs and range coverage for large outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gain parameter dynamically based on the output signal characteristics. By adjusting the gain setting according to the detected output level, the system optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and range coverage without requiring manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If the set gain is large, then the load detection accuracy improves, but the measurement range is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches gain settings based on real-time output detection. When the output signal indicates a large signal level, the control device selects the first gain setting to prevent saturation and maintain reliability. When the output is small, it switches to the second gain setting to maximize accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from the output signal to determine the appropriate gain setting. By continuously monitoring the output level and adjusting the gain accordingly, the system ensures that measurement values remain within the valid range while maintaining optimal accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a fixed gain is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different output ranges is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic gain adjustment capability that allows the system to adapt to different output ranges automatically. The control device switches between predefined gain settings based on the detected output level, providing versatility without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple gain settings that can be automatically selected based on the output signal. This single device can handle both small and large output ranges effectively, eliminating the need for separate devices or complex manual configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows accurate load detection even with wide output ranges by dynamically adjusting gains, maintaining measurement values within acceptable limits and enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a change in the resistance value of a strain gauge occurs by a strain generated by a load
Implementation Method 2
an amplifier for amplifying an output differential signal may be used
Data Source
AI summary
A load detection device for detecting a load, based on a differential signal output from a load cell including an excitation-side differential amplifier circuit for amplifying an excitation signal to be transmitted to the load cell, a measurement-side differential amplifier circuit for amplifying a first differential signal output from the load cell, and a control device for controlling the circuits. The control device executes a gain adjustment process of adjusting an output gain by selecting an excitation-side gain by the excitation-side differential amplifier circuit and a measurement-side gain by the measurement-side differential amplifier circuit such that a measurement value measured based on a second differential signal output from the measurement-side differential amplifier circuit falls within a predetermined range. The gains are selected from among candidate excitation-side gain values set at predetermined intervals as the excitation-side gain and candidate measurement-side gain values set at predetermined intervals as the measurement-side gain.